Behavior Control - JWfacts

[Pages:29]THE BITE MODEL The following is a summary of Jehovah's Witness beliefs regarding behavior, information, thoughts and emotions. The quotes are taken from the 2014 Watchtower Library CD ROM. The BITE model was developed by researcher and counsellor Steven Hassan M.Ed. LMHC, NCC, an expert in new religious groups. Behavior, Intellect, Thoughts, and Emotions (BITE) are aspects of mind control used by organizations to make their members compliant and dependent on the central leadership. Any organization which relies on the following techniques and deceptive practices to recruit or retain its membership should be scrutinized for destructive mind control nature.

Behavior Control

1. REGULATE INDIVIDUAL'S PHYSICAL REALITY

2. DICTATE WHERE, HOW, AND WITH WHOM THE MEMBER LIVES AND ASSOCIATES OR ISOLATES

*** w94 9/1 p. 29 Appreciate Your Sacred Service ***

At work or at school, there will also be a price to pay. The new Bible student will in time stop sharing in worldly parties and other celebrations. He will no longer listen to the unclean talk of his workmates or schoolmates, nor will he swap obscene jokes with them

*** w10 1/15 pp. 16-17 Help Your Children to Meet Their Many Challenges ***

In addition to pressures from the world, our sons or daughters may also have to fight against their own desire to be like their peers. "It is not easy being viewed as different," says Cathleen, a sister in her late teens. A young brother named Alan admits, "I was often invited to go out with my schoolmates on the weekends, and I really wanted to go." Further, the desire of young people to participate in school sports events, which can easily lead to bad association, can be strong. "I love sports," says a young sister named Tanya. "The coaches in school were always trying to get me to play on the team. It was hard to refuse."

*** w87 9/15 p. 12 par. 9 Breathing This World's "Air" Is Death-Dealing! ***

So our challenge is to be in Satan's world, yet being no part of it, to be surrounded by its contaminated "air," yet not breathing it in. When we read secular publications, watch television, or go to places of entertainment, we are likely to be exposed to the world's "air." While some contact with worldly people is unavoidable--at work, at school, and otherwise--we must be vigilant so as to keep from being sucked back into the death-dealing atmosphere of this world.--1 Corinthians 15:33, 34.

*** km 5/74 p. 3 How Are You Using Your Life? ***

Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end.--1 John 2:17.

3. WHEN, HOW AND WITH WHOM THE MEMBER HAS SEX

** w74 11/15 p. 704 Questions From Readers ***

In the common Greek in which Jesus' words are recorded, the term "fornication" is por?neia, which designates all forms of immoral sexual relations, perversions and lewd practices such as might be carried on in a house of prostitution, including oral and anal copulation... . Hence, circumstances could arise that would make lewd practices of a married person toward that one's marriage mate a Scriptural basis for divorce....if brought to the attention of elders in the congregation, would be handled like any other serious wrongdoing.

*** w78 2/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***

In the past some comments have appeared in this magazine in connection with certain unusual sex practices, such as oral sex, within marriage and these were equated with gross sexual immorality. On this basis the conclusion was reached that those engaging in such sex practices were subject to disfellowshipping if unrepentant. The view was taken that it was within the authority of congregational elders to investigate and act in a judicial capacity regarding such practices in the conjugal relationship.

*** w78 11/1 p. 26 Decisions That Have Contributed to a Happy Life ***

This was a fellow student who worked in the same laboratory. We intended to marry soon. But he became very unhappy with my decision to serve God. It caused me much heartache to see the difference in our outlook on this vital point. Finally the tensions led to an ultimatum: It was either he or my newfound faith. Shortly afterward I was baptized to symbolize my dedication to serve Jehovah God. I had made my decision.

4. CONTROL TYPES OF CLOTHING AND HAIRSTYLES

*** w75 8/15 p. 500 par. 9 Do Not Let Yourself Be Ensnared by Fads and Entertainment *** 9

Extreme hair styles can easily lead one into a trap of the Devil also, and cause others to stumble...From early youth he had let his beard grow.... He was invited to consider his appearance in relation to what he claimed to be, a servant of God. Not wanting to be responsible for even one person's being stumbled so as to miss the way to everlasting life, this new Kingdom publisher shaved off his beard.

*** w12 8/15 p. 13 par. 8 Carry On as Kingdom Citizens! ***

Examine the way you react when you receive counsel about what you feel is a personal preference--for example, on the matter of dress and grooming. Before becoming a Kingdom citizen, you may have preferred to dress sloppily or provocatively. As your love for God grew, you learned to dress in a way that honors him. (1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Pet. 3:3, 4) You may feel that you now dress modestly. But what if an elder was to tell you that your preference in attire is causing serious offense to a number of publishers in the congregation?

*** w12 4/1 p. 15 The Bible Changes Lives ***

My passion for music made quitting the heavy-metal scene the most difficult decision I've ever had to make. But with the help of my friends in the congregation, I was finally able to break free. I quit overdrinking and taking drugs. I also cut my hair, shaved off my beard, and stopped dressing only in black

*** w12 8/1 p. 14 The Bible Changes Lives ***

I cut my hair, removed my earring, and bought a suit. What I was learning also started to improve my attitude toward other people.

5. REGULATE DIET - FOOD AND DRINK, HUNGER AND/OR FASTING 6. MANIPULATION AND DEPRIVATION OF SLEEP

7. FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION, MANIPULATION OR DEPENDENCE

*** w13 6/15 pp. 14-15 par. 11 Appreciate Jehovah's Generosity and Reasonableness ***

We can also be generous toward Jehovah. "Honor Jehovah with your valuable things," admonish the Scriptures. (Prov. 3:9) Those "valuable things" include our time, energy, and resources, which we can freely spend in his service. Even young children can learn to be generous toward Jehovah. "When our family makes a donation at the Kingdom Hall, we let our children put the money in the contribution box," says their father, Jason. "They enjoy it because, as they put it, they're `giving something to Jehovah.'" Children who experience the joy of giving to Jehovah while they are young are likely to continue being generous toward him in adulthood.--Prov. 22:6.

8. RESTRICT LEISURE, ENTERTAINMENT, VACATION TIME

*** w14 4/15 p. 13 The Full-Time Ministry--Where It Has Led Me ***

During each summer vacation from school, I served as a vacation pioneer (now called an auxiliary pioneer),

*** w10 9/15 p. 32 Special Campaign in Bulgaria Has Success ***

How do those who generously used their vacation and traveled at their own expense to another country to preach the good news feel?

*** w10 1/15 p. 21 Use Each Day of Your Life for God's Glory ***

For example, when planning for a vacation, we make sure that we will not miss the circuit overseer's visit, a special assembly day, a circuit assembly, or a district convention. At times, we may be able to combine some of our responsibilities.

*** w84 5/1 p. 30 Come to the 1984 "Kingdom Increase" District Conventions! ***

Most of us get some vacation each year. Could not more of us plan to include the entire convention in that vacation? Or else, could we not sacrifice two days' wages for the sake of a great spiritual feast? In Honduras some brothers have lost their jobs simply because of asking time off from work so as to attend a convention. A sister there asked for two days off to attend the "Kingdom Unity" convention and was threatened with being fired. A lawyer, whose wife is a Witness, heard of this and arranged a job for her with better pay following the convention.

9. MAJOR TIME SPENT WITH GROUP INDOCTRINATION AND RITUALS AND/OR SELF-INDOCTRINATION INCLUDING THE INTERNET

This point hardly requires comment. Every Witness is run off their feet with Theocratic activities (15+ hours per week) and material to read and internalize (`hard to keep up')

***yb16 p. 15***

With Jehovah's support, we are confident that JW Broadcasting will continue to be a rich spiritual blessing for our worldwide brotherhood and will bring increasing praise and glory to Jehovah.

*** w13 3/15 p. 16 par. 13 Having "Come to Know God"--What Now? ***

Jehovah is pleased with all those "seeking refuge in him"; hence, even after our coming to know God, we want to continue regularly associating with the congregation of others who know him.

? Monday - Book Study preparation from a Watchtower publication (1 hour) ? Tuesday - Attend the Book Study (until 2009) (1 hour) ? Wednesday CLAM preparation from Watchtower publications (1-2 hours) ? Thursday - Attend the CLAM (6:30-9:30 = 3 hours) ? Friday - Watchtower study preparation (1-2 hours) ? Saturday - Preaching and placing Watchtower publications (9-12 = 3 hours) ? Sunday - Public talk and Watchtower Study (9:30-12:30 = 3 hours) ? Total time is 10-15 hours per week min. 10. PERMISSION REQUIRED FOR MAJOR DECISIONS

11. THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, AND ACTIVITIES (OF SELF AND OTHERS) REPORTED TO SUPERIORS

Jehovah's Witness must report the amount of time and the number of publications they place each month. *** w12 2/15 p. 22 par. 15 Preserve the Positive Spirit of the Congregation *** So if we know that a brother or a sister has fallen into such wrongdoing, we should encourage that one to approach the elders and seek their help. (Jas. 5:13-15) If he or she does not do so within a reasonable period of time, though, we should report the wrongdoing.

12. REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS USED TO MODIFY BEHAVIORS, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE

Rewards: "Reaching out" for privileges of service is encouraged for all. Men can work their up the ranks and be second only to God and Jesus Christ in importance ? note the hierarchy depicted w13 4/15 p29

(1 Timothy 2:5) . . .For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus. . . (1 Corinthians 7:22, 23) . . .. You were bought with a price; stop becoming slaves of men.

Eminent pioneers and others are praised in front of 1,000's at conventions and lauded for their great works and success at recruiting new members

(1 Corinthians 1:28, 29) . . .God chose the insignificant things of the world and the things looked down on, the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 so that no one might boast in the sight of God. . .

(Matthew 20:16) 16 In this way the last ones will be first, and the first ones last."

Punishment: Those who do not follow direction may be stripped of privileges... or worse

The Watchtower inserts and entire sentence into to 2 John 11 (which is speaking about anti-Christ's) justify total shunning of former members for any offense that the Governing Body deems a sin:

*** w81 9/15 p. 25 par. 25 Disfellowshipping--How to View It ***

All faithful Christians need to take to heart the serious truth that God inspired John to write: "He that says a greeting to [an expelled sinner who is promoting an erroneous teaching or carrying on ungodly conduct] is a sharer in his wicked works."--2 John 11.

*** w81 9/15 p. 22 par. 12 Disfellowshipping--How to View It ***

Thus "disfellowshiping" is what Jehovah's Witnesses appropriately call the expelling and subsequent shunning of such an unrepentant wrongdoer

13. DISCOURAGE INDIVIDUALISM, ENCOURAGE GROUP-THINK

*** km 9/07 p. 3 Question Box ***

Does "the faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?--Matt. 24:45, 47.

No, it does not.

*** w13 11/15 p. 20 par. 17 Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes--What They Mean for Us Today ***

All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.

*** w72 9/1 p. 543 Do You Remember? ***

When is conformity a good thing, but when must it be avoided?

Conformity is good when it is in harmony with the guidelines set forth in the Bible and when it contributes to purposeful cooperative effort. But conformity to ways that are opposed to God's righteous standards must be avoided if one is to enjoy divine favor.--P. 474.

What should you do if doubts come up in your mind about the spiritual food being dispensed by the "faithful and discreet slave" today?

Seek help from elders in the congregation. Be patient, remembering that following Jehovah's leading brings happiness and life. Keep in mind that you became a disciple because you were firmly persuaded of the truth and convinced that those who taught you had your interests at heart. Also consider how well matters have turned out for those who have maintained faithfulness.--P. 504.

*** w96 7/15 p. 17 par. 7 Maintain Unity in These Last Days ***

What if we individually have difficulty understanding or accepting a certain point? We should pray for wisdom and undertake research in the Scriptures and Christian publications. (Proverbs 2:4, 5; James 1:5-8) Discussion with an elder may help. If the point still cannot be understood, it may be best to let the matter rest

14. IMPOSE RIGID RULES AND REGULATIONS

Each Branch has a manual with 1,000's of procedures dictating matters as trivial as the manner in which your bed is to be made and specific techniques for cleaning windows.

Writing Desks at the branches have a "Correspondence Guidelines" manual (available on Google) that contains `theocratic direction,' mainly taken from Watchtower publications, for 1,000's of possible inquiries from wearing beards to what type of sexual relations are appropriate for Jehovah's Witnesses.



(Romans 3:27, 28) 27 Where, then, is the boasting? It is shut out. Through what law? That of works? No indeed, but through the law of faith. 28 For we reckon that a man is declared righteous by faith apart from works of law.

*** w14 10/15 pp. 24-25 par. 8 Cherish Your Privilege of Working With Jehovah! ***

Faithful servants of Jehovah have always been eager to submit to theocratic direction. (Read Hebrews 13:7, 17.) We may initially lack full understanding of the reasons for carrying out our assigned work in a particular way. Nevertheless, we are fully aware of the benefits of cooperating with Jehovah in any adjustments that he sees fit to make.

*** w13 8/15 p. 5 par. 12 You Have Been Sanctified ***

Another lesson is this: Like Nehemiah, appointed men today take the lead in supporting theocratic arrangements.

15. INSTILL DEPENDENCY AND OBEDIENCE

*** w90 10/1 pp. 30-31 Do You Follow Instructions? ***

We should follow the instructions that the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ, gives through "the faithful and discreet slave," the appointed channel of God's organization here on earth. (Matthew 24:45-47; Ephesians 5:23) In order to have peace and unity in the congregation, all its members must act in harmony with the

guidance given. For instance, those taking the lead in teaching the congregation and in helping other people need to stick to the directions they receive from Jehovah's organization

Information Control

1. DECEPTION:

a. DELIBERATELY WITHHOLD INFORMATION

Are aware you of the extent and dogmatism of the false prophecies of the Watchtower for the years 1799, 1874, 1881, 1914, 1915,1918, 1925, 1940's and 1975?

Hint-these were not just `expectations' or `past truth'

Did you know that not a single Biblical or historical source outside of the WTBTS supports a date for the destruction of Jerusalem of 607BCE?

This date is the basis for the 1914 doctrine and the claim of Russell and the current governing body to be God's `faith slave'

b. DISTORT INFORMATION TO MAKE IT MORE ACCEPTABLE

The Trinity brochure and the Creation books are full of misleading and academically dishonest quoting. The publications cite sources that are anti-creation and anti-Christian to try to find support for their views

Only the bold portions are quoted in the articles. Here just two of dozens of examples Google: "creation book misquotes" or "trinity brochure misquotes" for many more.

Trinity: "It is certain, however, that from the apostolic times they paid worship to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, addressed to them their prayers, and included them in their doxologies." ... "Precisely what the doctrine is, or precisely how it is to be explained, Trinitarians are not agreed among themselves." ... "It is not possible for the human intellect to comprehend fully the divine nature. The Bible represents God to us as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It represents them as equally entitled to our highest reverence, affection, and allegiance." (A Dictionary of Religious Knowledge", Lyman Abbott, 1875, p. 944, as quoted in, Should you believe the Trinity?, Watchtower publication)

Creation Book: "I mention this only to illustrate the lack of total agreement even within the warring camps: things really are in an uproar these days, and each of the "basic" ways of looking at evolution has its minor variants. Sometimes it seems as though there are as many variations on each theme as there are individual biologists. But that's as it should be; this is how science is supposed to operate. ... When they [Creationists] misrepresent the exuberant, creative doubt and controversy permeating evolutionary biology these days, they are actively promoting scientific illiteracy." (Natural History, "Evolutionary Housecleaning," by Niles Eldredge, February 1982, pp. 78, 81.)

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